Grim: ‘i Expect a Response from My Players on Saturday’

Ajax Readies for Excelsior Clash: Fred Grim Outlines Strategy

Fred Grim, in his role as interim manager at Ajax, convened a press conference on Friday morning to discuss the club’s current situation and upcoming plans. The international break has come to an end, and the focus shifts back to domestic league play.

Medical Update: Players’ Health Status

In the medical update, Grim provided insight into the health status of several key players. Lucas Rosa and Owen Wijndal are listed as doubtful for the upcoming match against Excelsior. Branco van den Boomen, having recovered from a significant injury, has rejoined group training but is not yet fit enough to join the squad.

Wout Weghorst has trained with the group in recent days and is expected to be available.

Kasper Dolberg’s recovery also shows positive signs; he trained fully this past week and could come on as a substitute. However, Grim emphasized that Dolberg needs more game time to build up his rhythm.

New Technical Staff Member: Denny Landzaat

Grim added Denny Landzaat to his technical staff earlier in the week. Explaining the decision, Grim said, “Because of John Heitinga’s departure, Marcel Keizer and Frank Peereboom have also left. Paul Nuijten has stepped up from the Under-19s, and I wanted to add another assistant.

It had to be done quickly, and of course, someone had to be available. Then you think: with whom have you worked, who do you have a certain feeling with, who have you collaborated with? That’s why Landzaat has come in.

And I’m very happy with that.”

Grim further elaborated on Landzaat’s role, saying, “Denny is someone who can contribute to the attacking play. That’s now his responsibility as well. He moves easily among the l, builds a connection with players in no time, and that is very important.”

General Meeting of Shareholders: Next Steps

The recent General Meeting of Shareholders communicated that the club will first look for a technical director, and then the rest will follow automatically. Grim stated, “It was communicated that the club will first look for a technical director, and then the rest will follow automatically. Whether that will happen quickly or slowly remains to be seen.

It has been communicated that I have the lead until the winter break.”

Grim outlined his approach in leading Ajax, saying, “In the end, whether you’re an interim manager or the manager, you have to set out your own line. Clarity, structure and discipline are part of that, in my view. We have done that this week.

It’s about establishing clarity, because I am now responsible. Players and staff must know where they stand when I am in charge.”

Upcoming Matches: Focus on Saturday’s Game

The first points can be collected on Saturday at 18:45 against Excelsior. Grim emphasized the importance of a strong performance, stating, “I expect a response from my players. We are playing at home: we have to be dominant, play at a high tempo and give Excelsior no space.”

Looking ahead, Grim mentioned two more home matches in the same week before the next significant game against Benfica.

Reflecting on 1995

Grim also shared some personal reflections, mentioning his time as a reserve goalkeeper and working alongside Louis van Gaal. “I’ve always said that Louis has had a huge influence on my managerial career, how you deal with players, the way of playing football, and how you approach things. He has been very important to me.”

Reflecting further, Grim added, “Did I have the ambition back then to become Ajax’s first-team manager? Of course, you are proud if you can be the manager of Ajax’s first team.

But the people who really know me know that I’ve never been particularly focused on that, on goals or on planning my career. But it is special how things have turned out.”

The article concludes by noting that Frenkie de Jong opened his own Johan Cruyff Court in Gorinchem last week, dedicating the home match against Excelsior to the Abdelhak Nouri Foundation, highlighting Ajax’s commitment to social causes.